Acuitis Optical and Hearing Ltd – who have a centre in London – have pledged their support of the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) by becoming a Corporate Member of the charity, helping to raise awareness of tinnitus and to support the BTA’s services helping those affected by the condition.

The BTA is the only national UK charity solely dedicated to those with tinnitus – a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. For the last 35 years the charity has supported the one in ten people in the UK who experience tinnitus and in particular the 10% of those with tinnitus who find it severely affects their quality of life.

Mrs Samantha Godkin, Hearing Aid Audiologist with Acuitis Optical and Hearing commented: “I have been aware of the work the BTA do through my association as an elected member of BSHAA and having worked as a Hearing Aid Audiologist for over 20 years, most recently with Acuitis Optical and Hearing. Having seen the impact tinnitus can have, being able to use my expertise to help people is rewarding both professionally and personally. Being a corporate member of the BTA means I can collaborate with an experienced and trusted charity that are also dedicated and committed to helping those affected by tinnitus.”

Helen Goldsby-West, Head of Major Giving for the British Tinnitus Association, said: “Last year, the BTA supported over 335,000 people. To do this, we are reliant upon the generous donations of our fundraisers and supporters, and contributions from Corporate Members like Acuitis Optical and Hearing. We receive no government support and need to raise over £500,000 this year to continue our much needed work. The Corporate Membership scheme is a great way for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to our work and the wider tinnitus community. We are extremely grateful to Acuitis for their backing in our endeavours.”

Samantha added: “It is so often the case that the people we see for a hearing test are tinnitus sufferers, we experience first-hand their suffering. We know that we can help in over 80% of cases with a good hearing solution but we passionately want to do more and treat clients holistically. Our biggest asset is time – being able to give the client the time they need to support and counsel them through their tinnitus. We may not be able to provide silence but we can help develop peacefulness.”

The British Tinnitus Association website is www.tinnitus.org.uk.